Kennedy Drink Problems

andrewb · 05-01-2006, 19:00

It turns out that amoung repeated calls for Mr Kennedys resignation from the leadership of the Lib Debs, he has had a drinking problem but since overcome this and has been free of alcohol for two months.. you can read the story in full here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4582930.stm

Heres a question though, if the Lib Dems do vote for a new leader, do YOU know any of the Lib Dem MP's other than Charles Kennedy?

garinda · 05-01-2006, 19:04

Yes Menzies Campbell.

But only because his first name is pronounsed Ming.

garinda · 05-01-2006, 19:06

Oh and David Alton and Simon Hughes, only because you don't pronounce their first name Ming.

garinda · 05-01-2006, 19:13

Cyfr, Charlies drinkie poos aside.

As a young Conservative will you be voting for New Labour now they want more private health insurance involvement in the NHS, and yesterday David Cameron stated he wants just the opposite?

As a Tory the only place you can show your allegiance is by voting Labour, is it not?

andrewb · 05-01-2006, 19:27

Blair is right wing I'll agree, however people have ideas, and other people get them done. Mr Blair isn't one to get things done as the current state of things like the NHS show.. (Lets not go down the Thatcher route of argument again

although Camerons in the same party, he's not the same person

)
And anyway.. Blair won't be up for re-election next time, it will be the ever-so-slightly-more-left Brown i'd imagine

garinda · 05-01-2006, 19:31

Ok we'll do a swap.

This wooly socialist liberal will vote for the caring, sharing, gay friendly, women and lesbians first in selection procedures, Conservatives.

You can vote for Labour. The party that believes in free enterprise, private investment in the NHS, and the plight of middle classes in the Home counties.

Stanaccy · 05-01-2006, 19:41

To be honest Garinda the only left wing party in the house at the moment I can vote for is the Liberal party, (Scottish and Welsh Nationalists are left wing but unfortunately due to a geographical disenfranchise I am unable to vote for them).

The conservatives are floundering because they are having to find a new battleground as NEW Labour (not the labour party) have stolen their clothes.

Me, as a socialist, has been left homeless for the past 5 years.

Margaret Pilkington · 05-01-2006, 19:48

I have to say that Charles Kennedy should be applauded for coming out and admitting what everyone suspected.......it was a brave thing to do.....though I think it has left him a trifle exposed.

garinda · 05-01-2006, 19:49

Sherry trifle?

Margaret Pilkington · 05-01-2006, 19:52

I hope for his sake it was just plain trifle......I'm sure he will be under extra scrutiny now.....just to make sure he doesn't slip off the wagon.

Although he said he hasn't had a drink for two months the BBC disputed this, saying the in that time he had most certainly been seen the worse for drink.....though not on camera. I think the knives have been out for this man for some time.

garinda · 05-01-2006, 19:55

I think personally he seems a very nice chap.

I don't think he has the charisma, or drive, to lead his party onwards and upwards, irrespective of his drinking.

Stanaccy · 05-01-2006, 19:55

I agree Margaret I happen to work with a Lib-Dem councillor and he is worried if Kennedy goes as none of the others metioned have the panache to carry out the job.

Also I have to say getting rid of one of the most successful leaders your party has seen in almost a hundred years is a tad strange.

Margaret Pilkington · 05-01-2006, 19:59

I can't think of anyone in the party who could be deemed as his successor.
He has certainly raised the profile of the party......and Yes he does seem to be a thoroughly pleasant chap.......maybe he needs to get a touch ruthless and unpleasant to win some friends.....that is the usual way things seem to be done in politics.

Neil · 05-01-2006, 20:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stanaccy

The conservatives are floundering because they are having to find a new battleground as NEW Labour (not the labour party) have stolen their clothes.

Does that mean that Labour have seen the error of their ways and decided to become Conservatives?

West Ender · 05-01-2006, 21:08

Charlie Kennedy has a drink problem and has sought help. What's so terrible? Winston Churchill was a heavy drinker and all his war-time cabinet knew it. Perhaps if he had been totally sober, which he never was, he might not have been such a great war-leader.

Kennedy has, at least, done something about his problem and has had the guts to admit it. He's no Churchill but he isn't a disaster either. I think Menzes Campbell (it's actually pronounced Mingis - they call him Ming for short) is behind all this because he desperately wants to be the leader. It's probably some sort of complex about being called Ming.